Enugu begins construction of eight science, technical schools

The government of Enugu has begun the construction of eight science, technical, and vocational (STV) schools in the state.

The development was announced by Ndubueze Mbah, the state commissioner for education, during Wednesday’s inspection of work at the Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu.

Mbah said there would be three models of the science, technical, and vocational schools focusing on science and technology, building and architecture, and industrial agriculture.

According to him, Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is redirecting the focus of youths towards science, technical, and vocational education.

“As you could see, this historic institution established in 1948 has lost its former glory. The buildings all around us are in different stages of dilapidation,” he said.

“But we are happy to share with Ndi Enugu the good news that the Enugu State Government has already embarked on a very audacious education reform project to establish eight brand new Science, Technical, and Vocational Schools servicing SS1 to SS3 in the STVSMB category of schools, starting with GTC.

“The governor believes that we are now in a new age of industry and technology. So, we want to bring back the lost glory of GTC, but making sure that it reflects the new opportunities and realities of industrialisation of economic development, and of youth empowerment.

“We will be establishing one new STV School in each of the eight federal constituencies in Enugu State over the next two years. The very first is being sited at this historic location, GTC, Enugu.”

“The third model is the Science Technical and Vocational School of Industrial Agriculture.”

Mbah said the current administration plans to build an additional smart green school at the GTC to ensure easy implementation.

The commissioner added that the vocational skills will include bricklaying, electricals, plumbing, and roofing.

On his part, Christopher Isife, the principal of GTC, described the college’s science, technical, and vocational school project “as a game changer for the long-forgotten and dilapidated institution”.

“It has never been better in the past years of our existence as a college, but today, the talk and do governor has come to wipe away our tears,” he said.

“So, the GTC community, students, and teachers are very, very happy and we are grateful to him.”